How to install Android 10 on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Why is Android 10 on Redmi 5 Plus a good idea in 2026?

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) was released in 2018 with Android 7.1 Nougat on board, and the official updates stopped at MIUI 11 with the base of Android 9 Pie. However, even after 6 years, the device retains its potential - thanks to an active community of custom firmware developers. Installing Android 10 gives owners of Redmi 5 Plus not only a modern interface, but also:

First, improved performance through an optimized kernel and updated drivers; second, support for new applications that require a 29+ API (such as the latest versions of banking apps or games); and third, enhanced privacy features such as delineating permission to access location or files; however, it is important to understand that the firmware of informal builds always involves risks, from loss of warranty (if it is still valid) to device “brick” when errors occur.

This guide is suitable for users with basic skills in working with ADB, Fastboot and custom recavators. If you have never flashed a smartphone, we recommend you first learn the theory on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums. We will look at two main methods: through TWRP (for experienced) and through Fastboot (more reliable, but requires unlocking the bootloader).

Requirements and preparation before firmware

Before you start installing Android 10, make sure your Redmi 5 Plus meets the key requirements. First, check the device model in the settings (Settings → About Phone → Model). It should be Redmi 5 Plus (vince), not Redmi Note 5 (whyred) – these devices are similar in appearance, but have different firmware!

Second, charge the battery to at least 70%, and the firmware process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and discharging at a critical moment will make it impossible to recover without service equipment.

• 📱 USB-cable (original, without damage)
• 💻 Computer on Windows 10/11 Linux (MacOS is possible but requires additional drivers)
• 🔧 Tools: ADB Fastboot (download from the official Google website)
• 📁 Firmware: Proven build of Android 10 for vince (recommended LineageOS 17.1 or Pixel Experience)
• 🔐 Backup of all data (firmware erases internal memory!)

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China, check the firmware region via ##4636##. Some Chinese versions have a locked bootloader at the hardware level – they can only be unlocked through authorized Xiaomi service centers.

Make sure the model is Redmi. 5 Plus (vince)|Download Android firmware 10 vince|Install ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Make a backup of data on an external drive|Charge the phone before 70%+|Connect the original USB-cable-->

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step

Without bootloader unlocking, custom firmware cannot be installed. Xiaomi blocks it by default, but provides an official way to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool. The process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to the company's security policy. Here's how it works:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Link your account to your device.
2. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate the developer menu).
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. If you see the message "Wait 168/720 hours", you have to wait. This timer is reset every time you try!

After successful unlocking, the bootloader will be labeled Unlocked and you will be able to stitch custom Recovery or ROMs. Note: unlocking resets the device to factory settings!

Installation of TWRP: custom Recovery for firmware

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an alternative recovery that allows you to install informal firmware, make backups and restore the system. Two current versions are available for Redmi 5 Plus:

• 📱 Official. TWRP (from the development team – stable, but may not support new features.
• 🛠️ Unofficial builds (for example, from OrangeFox) – with advanced options, but bugs are possible.

We recommend the official version. Download the latest.img file for vince from twrp.me. Then run commands in the terminal (the phone should be in Fastboot mode):

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_vince.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_vince.img

After that, the device will boot into TWRP. Don't restart it to the system! Immediately go to the Android 10 firmware, otherwise the standard MIUI will overload the custom Recovery.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo, so DM-Verity is on. TWRP need to sew disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip (download 4PDA).

Android 10 firmware choice: which builds are stable?

There are several Android 10 builds available for Redmi 5 Plus, but not all are equally stable. We tested three popular builds:

For everyday use, it is better to choose Pixel Experience - it is oferece balance between stability and functionality. If you want a "naked" Android without unnecessary features, LineageOS will do. Before downloading, check the date of the last build update - current versions come out at least once every 2-3 months.

💡

Before you run the firmware, format the Data partition into TWRP (Wipe → Format Data → type “yes”), which will prevent encryption errors and speed up the system.

Step-by-step installation of Android 10 via TWRP

When the TWRP is installed and the firmware is downloaded, you can start the installation.

1. Copy the firmware file (for example, PixelExperience_vince-10.0-20260315.zip) internal memory or SD-map.
2. In TWRP, click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data. Don't touch Internal Storage if the firmware is there!
3. Return to the main menu, select Install, find the firmware file and confirm the installation.
4. Once completed, press Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart (Reboot System).

The first start can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt! If the system doesn't boot for more than 20 minutes, then an error has occurred (see "Problem Solving").

💡

Installation via TWRP is the most flexible method, but requires pre-unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom Recovery. For beginners, we recommend the method via Fastboot (see the next section).

Alternative method: firmware through Fastboot

If TWRP seems complicated, you can flash Android 10 through Fastboot using Xiaomi’s official tool, the Mi Flash Tool, which is more reliable because it doesn’t depend on custom Recovery, but requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (see section above).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format with file flash_all.bat.
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\vince_android10).
2. Launch MiFlash.exe, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh – the device must be defined as COMX.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, it automatically reboots. If the Mi Flash Tool is critical partitioning, then the firmware is not compatible with your bootloader version, try a different build.

Solving common problems after firmware

Even if you install Android 10 correctly on the Redmi 5 Plus, you may experience errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔋 No battery charge: Sweep through the kernel with charging support (look for patches for your build on the 4PDA).
• 📶 Mobile network not working: Check your settings APN Or run the modem separately (vendor/radio).
• 🔊 No sound in the speaker: Delete the file /vendor/build.prop.bak into TWRP or run a fix for audio.
• 🔄 Constant reboots: Disable encryption in TWRP (Format Data → enter").

If the phone doesn’t turn on after firmware (black screen, vibration without logo), try:

1. Press Volume up + Power for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Connect to your PC and check if your device is detected in Fastboot devices.
3. Swipe a knowingly working version of TWRP and repeat the installation of the firmware.

⚠️ Note: If after a failed firmware, the phone does not respond to any combination of buttons, only the option with the EDL-It requires special cable or soldering skills - it is better to contact the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions